Les Misérables (2012) ★ ★ ★ ★
Possibly the most hyped-up film of the 2012 Oscar season, Les Misérables is a melodramatic, romantic interpretation of the much-loved
musical. Tom Hooper plays up to his all-star cast, indulging in lingering
close-up shots and dramatic pauses. Although the scenery and music is polished
and realistic, Hooper has applied the dynamics of theatre to a film which to
some extent bypasses those unfamiliar with the original story.
Set in 19th century Paris, Les Misérables follows the story of former prisoner Jean Valjean
(Hugh Jackman) who spends decades in a perpetual chase after breaking parole. He
chooses to lead a pious life and promises factory-worker Fantine (Anne
Hathaway) that he will care for her child Cosette, who he finds living with two
scam artists (Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen, bringing their
distinct eccentricities to the table as comic relief). Years on, Valjean and
grown Cosette are living secluded in Paris, where she falls in love with a
young revolutionary (Eddie Redmayne).
Jackman as Jean Valjean assumes his big-screen role with
macho delivery and sentimental vocals. He is almost unrecognisable in the early
scenes as a prisoner and his many transformations over time are a testament to
his acting talent. Russel Crowe, although is wincingly off-pitch and hints at
an Australian accent, illuminates the harshness of Javert and the villainy of
the French authorities.
Hooper leads us through the overcrowded cobblestone streets
and dark, gloomy wharves and we are drawn into a completely different world on
screen. Operatic and grandiose, it is not an easy watch. Hathaway’s iconic performance
of “I Dreamed A Dream” is far from X-factor charm and glamour. The screen is
forever filled with action- gunshots, wailing women, horses, and even an elephant.
The utter destitution of the miserable French is trumped out by the glamour of
the picture.
Among the recognisable faces, surprisingly, the younger
actors shone in their sincerity and talent. Isabelle Allen as young Cosette portrayed the fragility and shame
of a sad childhood, while Daniel Huttlestone as Gavroche was confident and
charismatic - quite the scene-stealer.
Playing the two young lovers, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette and
Eddie Redmayne as Marius steal attention from the older cast members. Their
expressive vocals (although Seyfried’s part is shrill at times) make the movie
the epic that it is. Hooper captures the spirit of the young revolutionaries but
more in terms of their comrade-fuelled venture than a tragic fight for a free
and just life.
What may surprise audiences is the complete lack of dialogue
– that is, outside of the musical theatre. The entirety of the film is in song
- for musical lovers it’s a dream come true – but for the average filmgoer it
can get a bit overwhelming.
Les Misérables reminds
us of the power of cinema to recreate a history with the emotional intensity of
a full-scale production on stage. When you have actors singing out of the
studio and centuries of history to cover, it’s a mammoth task. The filmic
production lacks a sense of space and cultural context but it’s a star-studded production.
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